Synthesis of conjugated molecules: From electronics to moleculART

Author

Chanteau, Stephanie Hina

Date

2004

Advisor

Tour, James M.

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Abstract

Chapter 1 discusses the purpose, the design, and the syntheses of new potential electronic devices. Based on previous and current studies, new oligo(phenylene ethynylene)s containing pyridyl alligator clips have been synthesized for molecular electronics using a series a palladium-catalyzed couplings. Although the testing of these devices is still pending, these devices are expected to show negative differential resistance and molecular memory properties due to their electron-withdrawing nature.
Chapter 2 describes the thermal analysis testings of several molecular electronics candidates to gain insight about their suitability for a new hybrid molecular/solid-state approach using chemical vapor deposition process.
Chapter 3 depicts the synthesis of new amphiphilic molecules containing a free radical and a carboxylic group as potential devices for quantum computing. These candidates have been tested on silver surface to assess their chemical integrity when self-assembled as a monolayer.
Chapter 4 discusses the synthesis of an array of 2 nm-tall anthropomorphic conjugated molecules, the NanoKids, in the monomeric, dimeric and polymeric forms and the use of them in an educational outreach project as 3D animated models to teach science in selected schools. These molecules are called, as a class, NanoPutians.
Finally, chapter 5 discusses the synthesis and the challenges of devising an army of NanoKids moving on a surface.